Hey Friend and welcome back to my little corner of the internet,

In this blog we're going to talk about Matthew chapter 13. I want to breakdown the sower parable as Jesus describes to His disciples. Sometimes it can be hard to follow along to the parables Jesus taught. So, first always pray, "Holy Spirit, please give me the knowledge, wisdom and understanding of the teachings of Jesus and His disciples. Help me to get the Word of God deeper in my heart, so no matter what comes it is never taken from me. In the name of Jesus, amen."

Now, let's dive in and go deeper in the Word of God. I'll start by telling you the first part of the parable, and then the meaning Jesus spoke concerning each part of the parable to His disciples.

Matthew chapter 13 talks about the sower who went out to sow. Verse 4 "and he sowed, some seed fell beside the road [between the fields], and the birds came and ate it." Now, we'll jump over to verse 19 "When anyone hears the word of the kingdom [regarding salvation] and does not understand and grasp it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the one whom seed was sown beside the road." 

Like a bird from the sky hunting it's next meal, so does the enemy seek to steal the things of God from your life. Be diligent in your prayer life, in your time with God and your walk in salvation.

Verses 5-6; "Other seed fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil; and at once they sprang up because they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away." Now, jump to verse 20-21 the meaning of this part of the parable. "The one on whom seed was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and at once welcomes it with joy; yet he has no [substantial] root in himself, but is only temporary, and when pressure or persecution comes because of the word, immediately he stumbles and falls away [abandoning the One who is the source of salvation.]" 

Are you someone who cowers at persecution? Do you fear what others think about you? Does someone else's opinion of you cause you to live in fear and not stay bold in your faith? Listen Friend, I've been there, but don't let someone else's opinion keep you from the kingdom of heaven and all that comes with it. Your life is so much more than a few fleeting statements from someone who doesn't hold your eternity in their hands. People are so quick to judge you no matter what you do. Just look at the life of Christ, He was perfect in every way, and they killed Him for it.

Verse 7: "Other seed fell among thorns, and thorns came up and choked them out." Now, onto verse 22, "And the one on whom seed was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the worries and distractions of the world and the deceitfulness [the superficial pleasures and delight] of riches choke the word, and it yields no fruit." 

Maybe you don't need the riches of the world. Maybe you're the worrier, I've been there, friends, and I want you to remember one verse 1 Peter 5:7 "casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]." You cannot worry about something that is out of your control and is fully under His control. God promises He has a good plan for our lives [Jeremiah 29:11]. You need only have the faith of a mustard seed to receive it.

When worries come to steal your joy and rob you of your purpose, remember Matthew 6:25-34. “Therefore, I tell you, stop being worried or anxious (perpetually uneasy, distracted) about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, as to what you will wear. Is life not more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow [seed] nor reap [the harvest] nor gather [the crops] into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by worrying can add one hour to [the length of] his life? And why are you worried about clothes? See how the lilies and wildflowers of the field grow; they do not labor nor do they spin [wool to make clothing], yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory and splendor dressed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive and green today and tomorrow is [cut and] thrown [as fuel] into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Therefore do not worry or be anxious (perpetually uneasy, distracted), saying, ‘What are we going to eat?’ or ‘What are we going to drink?’ or ‘What are we going to wear?’ For the [pagan] Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; [but do not worry,] for your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

The final piece of the parable. Verse 8, "Other seed fell on good soil and yielded grain, some hundred times as much [as was sown], some sixty [times as much], and some thirty." The meaning behind this part of  the scripture is simple. Verse 23, "And the one on whom seed was sown on the good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands and grasps it; he indeed bears fruit and yields, some hundred times [as much as was sown] some sixty [times as much], and some thirty."

Friend, are you patient? Are you kind? Bearing good fruit is not what you do for yourself or even what you force yourself to do for others with a burdensome heart. Good fruit is how you chose to give God glory in everything you do. If Jesus acted annoyed every time someone asked for help, not many people would've wanted His help. Instead, Christ lead with kindness and compassion, a gentle word, a helping hand. Friend, life can be difficult and you may stumble, but if or when you do, repent. He hears you. He loves you, much more than any person down here ever could. Let your good fruit be evident in the way you communicate, in the way you show kindness to the people in your life or the people out on the street, let the love of Christ lead you to deeper understanding of his word and yourself. If there's things you don't like about yourself ask God to change those things to better serve Him and then be open to whatever HIS will is for your life.

I'd like to end this with a prayer:

Father God, thank you for the wisdom, knowledge and understanding of your word. Thank you for every wonderful thing you're doing in our lives. God, please help us to be bearers of good fruit, help us in times of need or when we stumble into old habits. Take away the darker parts of our hearts and replace it with things solely focused on heavenly things. Have your will and your way in our lives.

 We give you all the honor, glory and praise. In Jesus name, amen.

If you have any more questions about the parable my inbox is always open.

Until next time, Friend.

Stay Blessed!

-FASP